I got an e-mail from an artist who is constructing Islamic patterns and was wondering about the use of a grid. Since there are only three regular tessellations; square, hexagon, and triangle, I think each of those grid types would be useful as a base for constructing complex patterns. I found some free downloadable grid papers online. Scroll down the page and you’ll find triangles, hexagons, and even octagons, all which should be very useful for learning how to construct zillij patterns. Some writers state zillij designs are constructed through circles, but I am confident there are more straight forward grids underlying them. Let me know how it works out for you if you try them.

I haven’t read the following book but hear it is helpful in constructing patterns; Geometric Concepts in Islamic Art by Issam El-Said and Ayse Parman published in 1976. This expensive book is supposed to contain comprehensive instructions on how to use underlying grids to make complex designs.

As for understanding the designs, I just discovered a book that may be indirectly helpful; Language of Ornament by James Trilling, former curator at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC, published in 2001. I haven’t read it yet and don’t plan on doing so any time soon because I have blown my budget on books this month. Plus, it seems to focus more on Asian art, as most museums in DC tend to. So, if you read it, let me know what you think and if it contains any useful information on Moroccan design. I suggest it because Moroccan design is an ornamental language.

I will be on vacation for the rest of the month. I am going to Arizona with the intention of seeing a vibrant night sky in the desert. I wanted to go to Kitt Peak National Observatory. However, they booked their night tours months ago. So, I will be in Tuscon with my lovely hubby anyway. I plan on driving off into the desert and look at the sky with my naked eye. We will listen to Flamenco guitar and look at big skies. I very much enjoy big skies. Ahh…back to the true origins of design. I hope the moon doesn’t get in the way of the darkness.